Smoke Signals

They say where there’s smoke, there’s fire. And that’s certainly the case in Houston, where the storied barbecue scene has never been hotter.

DB Sides
DB Sides

Houston’s foodie scene is smoking hot! Literally: A number of new barbecue joints — some in unexpected places — are firing up the coals this spring.


Let your nose guide you through the Greenway Plaza underground food court to Feges BBQ (3 Greenway Plaza). After years of grilling at festivals and pop-ups, Patrick Feges and Erin Smith are making their traditional Texas ’cue — smoked sausages, ribs, house-made boudin — available on the reg. The couple’s “updated versions of classic sides” incorporate fresh, seasonally driven produce, as in coleslaw made with yogurt. “We don’t typically see this kind of focus on sides in other barbecue restaurants,” says Smith. Squeeze in a visit during the workday, as the restaurant operates weekdays from 7am to 5pm.

Feges BBQ owner Patrick Feges slices brisketFeges BBQ owner Patrick Feges slices brisket

Also no stranger to the scene, Pappas Restaurants has upped its barbecue game with its latest interpretation, Delta Blues Smokehouse (19901 Gulf Freeway) in Webster. Here, enjoy Creekstone Farms brisket and USDA Prime rib-eye alongside wine and bourbon-based cocktails, all in a sophisticated, table-service setting. “It’s a new way to experience barbecue,” says Christina Pappas, director of marketing. “Beautiful food should be served in a manner and environment that equals the food.”

Meanwhile, Greg Gatlin has opened Q inside Terminal E of IAH, giving travelers the opportunity to get a taste of Houston the moment they land in H-Town — and locals the chance to get one final bite before takeoff. The restaurant, outfitted with flashy copper pipes that assist with the operation’s smoke ventilation, offers a breakfast menu for early-bird travelers.

Other hot spots are on the way: Brenham’s Truth BBQ opens later this year in the former J. Black’s space on Washington, as Robin and Terry Wong join forces with pitmaster Quy Hoang to open Blood Brothers BBQ in Bellaire (5425 Bellaire Blvd.) after a successful run of pop-ups.

And for a true Texas experience, trek to Richmond for Harlem Road Texas BBQ (9823 Harlem Rd.). On the weekends, a line is expected — but there’s a BYOB policy. So pull up a picnic blanket, pop some bottles — and stay for dessert. At Harlem, you’ll find chocolate bread pudding worth saving room for.

Food+Travel
Leadership in Action: ‘Family, Community and Spiritual Connection’ Drives Success for Henry Richardson

How did you get to where you are today? The present moment is a combined history of my family, my time as an athlete, my passion for learning, and my desire to see the world be better. I grew up as a successful springboard and platform diver, however, an injury caused me to seek alternative treatments to heal my body. In that process, I discovered the power of yoga, exercise, meditation, mindset, and nutrition. This holistic approach eventually led me to open a Pilates and cycling studio called DEFINE body & mind. I opened studios around the nation, and after selling most of my business between 2017-2019, I was ready to explore how I could make an even greater impact on the wellbeing of our community. In 2023, I started actively working on a brand new multi-family/apartment concept called, Define Living. The idea focused on offering health and wellness services within a beautiful apartment setting to increase the wellbeing of our residents. Having a strong sense of community is the number one factor in living a happy life, so why not build a community where daily fitness, cooking classes, and social connection are the norm? We opened Define Living in March of 2024, and we couldn’t be happier with how things are being received. We are already looking at building more concepts like this in the Houston area and beyond.

Keep Reading Show less

THE STANDARD BEARER FOR LUXURY

We built The Village communities to exemplify sophisticated retirement living in Houston, surrounded by the heritage neighborhood of River Oaks, Tanglewood and Southampton. Each offers impeccable designer finishes and Aspenwood service detail with dining and resortstyle amenities making them premier locations for discerning Houstonians and their families. Impressive, spacious residential floor plans, generous natural light, and expansive terraces allow a new level of indoor-outdoor living. Beautiful spaces are designed for entertaining, fitness, and relaxation with a dedicated team to provide a secure lock and leave lifestyle for our members.

Keep Reading Show less

Valentino, Debbie and Rudy Festari

A STYLISH CROWD of more than 350 gathered at a River Oaks Country Club luncheon to celebrate Italian culture in Houston and take in a bright fall fashion show from Saks Fifth avenue.

Keep Reading Show less
Fashion+Home